The Zlatoličje HPP exploits the 33 m available head and, with a net capacity of 114 MW, allows for the annual generation of 577 million kWh of electricity. The power plant, built between 1964 and 1969, has a supply and discharge channel separate from the riverbed and a 4.3 million m³ reservoir and a dam structure in Melje near Maribor.

The reservoir is 6.5 km in length and lies entirely within the city of Maribor. A lateral embankment with a concrete lining preventing leakage of water into the low lying areas nearby was built alongside the Melje industrial zone. The dam structure consists of six spillways, each 17 m in length with radial gates and top flaps. The spilling capacity of the dam amounts to 4200 m³/s. A small  hydroelectric power plant  was also constructed on the dam itself.

The 17.2 km long supply channel is trapezium shaped and partially buried, while the majority of it runs in a dike raised above ground level. The side and bottom walls are coated with a waterproof concrete lining with a surface area of 1,000,000 m². At the mouth of the canal, a spillway to the Drava riverbed is located, preventing any dangerous rise in water levels. The high-rise powerhouse in Zlatoličje has two overhead travelling cranes. The Kaplan turbine units are vertical and two main transformers are located outside the powerhouse. The plant is connected to the Cirkovce substation via a double 110 kV transmission line. At the intake and outlet, cranes are installed for the placement of stoplogs for maintenance. The intake crane also serves for the cleaning of the trashracks.

The discharge channel with a length of 6.2 km is also trapezium-shaped and buried deeply. Downstream from the powerhouse, a 300 m portion of the discharge channel is lined with concrete plates. Just before Ptuj, water is discharged back into the Drava River.

Already the biggest Drava power plant is planned to be refurbished by 2009, its net capacity is to be increased. This increase will be achieved through the replacement of units and other equipment. Also planned are upgrading works to the Melje Dam, the installation of a safety wall at the head of the supply channel and extension of the discharge channel.

Cross-section of the powerhouse